Time to prepare for the ice fishing

Friday

Dec 28, 2012 at 12:01 AM

Winter can be the source of boredom for many northern Michigan residents, but it doesn’t have to be.

By MARK SPENCLEYmark@cheboygantribune.com

Winter can be the source of boredom for many northern Michigan residents, but it doesn’t have to be.Ice fishing is a cheap and easy way to avoid the monotony that comes with long, northern winters. Wintertime recreation isn’t in short supply for northern Michiganders, who live in the heart of Midwestern snowmobiling and skiing county. While these two cold weather hobbies draw droves of snow bunnies to the area each year, the cost to participate can be a barricade for some area residents.Ice fishing requires a minimal initial investment in equipment, but after that, the only consistent expense is bait. It’s a little early right now, but safe ice soon be will covering area lakes. Waiting for good ice is absolutely imperative. “Safety is the most important thing,” said Tim Cwalinski, Department of Natural Resources Fisheries biologist. “There are no hard and fast rules for ice thickness. There is some much variability in lakes, ice freezes at different rates.”To check to see in enough ice has form, he suggests using a spud or auger to bore a hole and measure the ice depth and quality.Good ice has a clear and brushed look, but poor ice is milky colored and its structure and strength changes.“Six inches of old honeycombed ice is not the same as six inches of new, hard ice,” Cwalinski explained. “Having good ice is just as important as ice thickness.”Once the ice is ready, the sheer number of area ice fishermen means equipment will be readily available and there will be plenty of people to offer advice.Like anything, ice fishing gear can be broken down into wants and needs. To get started, only focus on the needs, namely something to make a hole in the ice, something to keep ice from forming in the hole and fishing tackle, according to Elyse Walter, DNR communications specialist.A spud or hand auger will both work to punch a hole in the ice and neither is terribly expensive. A new spud costs about $30 and hand augers go for around $50. As the winter goes on and the ice gets thicker, a hand auger would be worth the investment.To keep the hole open and slush free a slush scoop is really the only option. These are cheap, $10 at most.When it comes to tackle the options are more numerous. Tip-ups and jigging rods are the two most basic equipment options, tip-ups typically being a little easier to use.Tip-ups run in the $10-$20 range. Because three lines can be fished at a time, it would be a good idea to grab a few. More lines in the water means better odds of catching something.Jigging rods also are available, which are a shorter version of the classic fishing rod. The price for these varies greatly, but entry level models can usually be found for less than $20.Next on the list is No. 10 treble hooks, fishing line, and sinkers. None of these require more than a few bucks a piece.Minnows will be the bait of choice, so a styrofoam minnow bucket and a minnow net will be in order. Figure $10 total for these.Walter also suggests a bucket or something to sit on, which is a good idea. Standing on the ice for hours on end can quickly suck the fun out of a day of fishing.